We all know about the effects of stress, and what can happen if you don’t monitor and manage it effectively. It affects your health in ways that you may not even be aware of, from headaches to insomnia, to decreased productivity. Stress may impact your mood, your behaviour, and your relationships, and in short, stress can affect every aspect of your life.
Recently I found myself tested after initially feeling the joy of executing a solid quarter of performance (and a great bonus), to only be later consumed with stress and worry about the next steps. My pipeline and vacancy list are skinny, the FY close is near, and I have noticed some clients pumping the brakes on recruitment spend. Whilst I understand the ebbs and flows of the industry, I am also cognisant of a long-planned trip to Europe which consequently chews up one of the critical three months. Yikes, I’m in trouble. This affected my sleep, my mood, confidence, and importantly the seemingly fleeting natural high of success and happiness from last quarter’s results.
What compounded this unnerving sense of uncertainty was the astonishing realisation an extremely valued client (and who has become a friend) is currently experiencing the direct effects of stress in her workplace. Headaches became migraines, migraines became debilitating, and she collapsed in between meetings. What followed was numerous medical appointments, blood work, a brain MRI, and two operations – which later highlighted the impact of stress and nerve pain affecting her brain. WHOA. This stopped me in my tracks. Thankfully, I have a great manager and leader who helped to calm and remind me we simply must take a step back, plan and focus – with some positivity and perspective for good measure.
In this blog, I thought a timely reminder if you are feeling stressed but not sure how best to handle it, there are steps or strategies you can adopt to help yourself.
Identify the Sources of Stress
The first step in managing workplace stress is to identify its sources. Take some time to reflect on what aspects of your job or work environment contribute to your stress levels. It could be tight deadlines, excessive workload, lack of control, poor communication, or conflicts with colleagues. By understanding the root causes, you can better address them.
Prioritise and Delegate
When facing multiple tasks and deadlines, it’s essential to prioritise your workload. Identify the most critical tasks and focus on completing them first. Delegate responsibilities to team members whenever possible, promoting collaboration and reducing your individual burden.
Establish Clear Boundaries
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for managing stress. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid bringing work-related issues home and allocate time for activities you enjoy outside of work. Disconnecting from work during non-working hours will help you recharge and reduce stress levels.
Practice Effective Time Management
Effective time management is key to reducing workplace stress. Plan your workday, break tasks into smaller, manageable segments, and set realistic deadlines. Avoid overcommitting yourself and learn to say no when necessary. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organised and focused.
Cultivate Supportive Relationships
Building positive relationships with your colleagues can significantly impact your stress levels. Cultivate supportive relationships with your teammates, managers, and mentors. Share your concerns and seek advice or assistance when needed. Having a strong support system at work can help alleviate stress and provide valuable insights.
Practice Stress Reduction Techniques
Incorporating stress reduction techniques into your daily routine can help manage workplace stress. Experiment with techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, yoga, or physical exercise. These activities can help you relax, clear your mind, and reduce the impact of stress on your body and mind.
Take a Break
Taking regular breaks throughout the workday is crucial for managing stress. Step away from your desk, stretch your legs, and give your mind a chance to rest. Short breaks can improve focus, creativity, and overall productivity while reducing stress and fatigue.
Ask for help and seek professional help if needed
If workplace stress becomes overwhelming and begins to impact your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Reach out to a mental health professional or your manager for guidance and support.
Regularly Review and Adjust
Finally, it’s important to regularly review your stress management strategies and make adjustments as necessary. Our needs and work environments change over time, so staying flexible and adaptable is crucial. Continuously assess what works best for you and make modifications accordingly.
In conclusion, managing workplace stress is essential for maintaining our overall well-being and job satisfaction. By reviewing and implementing the above, you can hopefully put yourself into a better or improved position.
